Mall traders say keep the historic Rundle Mall fountain where it is

WORK to rip up Rundle Mall is expected to start within weeks but traders are demanding that its much-loved fountain stay where it is.

The future of the mall's historic fountain is the latest concern surrounding the $30 million upgrade of Adelaide's premier retail strip.

Adelaide City Council wants to move the 135-year-old fountain from outside of the Adelaide Arcade as part of the mall's upgrade, which is scheduled to start next month.

The council is considering moving the fountain to a laneway adjoining the mall, to North Tce or Creswell Gardens, near Adelaide Oval.

Angry traders have collected more than 5000 signatures from shoppers urging the city council to leave the fountain alone.

"If you look at the features in the mall, the fountain is one of the best ones," Adelaide Arcade manager Andrew Jonats said.

The fountain was relocated from Gawler Place to outside the Adelaide Arcade in the mid-1990s. It was relocated from North Tce to Gawler Place in 1976.

Despite repaving due to begin from the King William St side of the mall next month:

A FINAL start date has not been finalised;

DETAILED designs are still being drawn up; and

A TIMELINE of works is still being finalised.

Under the proposed masterplan, the council will remove fruit stalls and cafes in the centre of the strip.

The iconic Malls Balls, bronze pigs and Girl on a Slide sculpture will be shifted 3m to the side.

Twenty-seven trees will also be axed and replaced with 48 Chinese Elm trees that will be replanted in small groups either side of the mall.

Adelaide City Council acting general manager of city planning and development David Chick said clearing the centre of the mall to create clear sight lines had been proven to increase foot traffic and boost retail turnover in malls interstate and overseas.

"Over the years, a number of objects have been placed in there that have crowded the mall," Mr Chick said.

" ... A lot of case studies were undertaken of malls ... and pretty much all malls have returned to having the central part open, which increases vibrancy and the productivity of traders along the mall."

Rundle Mall Management Authority general manager Ian Darbyshire said traders had demanded the centre of the mall be cleared.